.png)
Sign in to your XDA account
Summary
- Microsoft is removing Bing headers begging users not to download Google Chrome in some regions.
- Only users from countries under the Digital Markets Act will see the change.
- Trick your PC into thinking it's in a DMA-covered country to enjoy future benefits.
Have you ever tried downloading Google Chrome while using Bing on Microsoft Edge? If you haven't, you'll learn just how clingy Microsoft can get. Searching for Google Chrome with Bing will summon a header at the top of the search results claiming that "there's no need" to download a browser other than Edge. Clicking on the Google Chrome search result and proceeding with the download will summon another header, claiming that Edge provides a Microsoft-approved experience. In short, it's really adamant that you don't use Chrome.
For years now, people who got a new Windows PC and used Edge to download Google Chrome have been accosted by these headers. It appears that Microsoft is finally eliminating these notifications, allowing some users to download their preferred browser without any issues. And yes, only some users will get this change, but there are ways to get around the restrictions and get the update anyway.
Related
As spotted by Neowin, Microsoft is finally getting rid of the headers that beg you to stick with Edge if you search for Google Chrome using Bing. There's just one problem: the change only affects those in countries covered by the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which, at the time of writing, covers every member of the EU. People from countries outside of the EU will continue to be pestered by Edge.
This isn't the first time we've seen a feature people want locked behind the DMA. Last month, Microsoft eased its Edge pestering in the EU due to the DMA, including opening Bing searches and Windows-based links in your default browser. As such, there's a good chance the change Microsoft made to Bing and Edge today is related to these sweeping changes as the Redmond giant tries to play nice with the European laws.
Fortunately, for everyone else, there's some good news. You can still enjoy all of the DMA-based changes no matter what country you're from. The key is to trick your computer into thinking that it's in a country covered by the DMA, and you'll get all of the current and future benefits that European users get. Check out our piece on Wintoys adding a Digital Market Act option for more information on how you can do this.
Microsoft may not be totally wrong when it says Edge is as good as Chrome. In fact, one could argue that there are reasons why Microsoft Edge is better than Chrome, and it's definitely up to personal preference as to which one you like. At the same time, Microsoft recently axed a ton of features from Edge, so there's a lot to love and a lot to hate with the Redmond giant's browser.
English (US) ·